15+ Best Novel Protein Dog Food [2025]

The pet food industry has witnessed a surge in demand for novel protein dog foods in recent years. 

Dog parents showed a preference for alternative and unique protein sources due to concerns over pet food allergies and intolerances and the desire for high-protein, limited-ingredient options. These diets are often free from artificial colors and preservatives and prioritize hypoallergenic ingredients, ensuring optimal nutritional performance. 

This guide delves into some of the best novel protein dog foods to provide insights to dog parents who are keen on introducing these unique options to their pets.

What is Novel Protein Dog Food?

Novel protein dog foods are a specialized category of canine diets that feature unique or alternative protein sources not commonly found in traditional pet food. The term "novel" indicates unique proteins a dog hasn’t been exposed to. This helps reduce the risk of allergies or intolerance. 

These diets often emphasize limited-ingredient recipes that exclude common allergens, artificial colors, and unnecessary preservatives. Since common ingredients can cause stomach upset in dogs, switching to a novel protein may help reduce the risk of reactions and support a more gentle, limited-ingredient diet. 

KOHA Novel Protein dog food was created with this exact purpose in mind. KOHA recipes feature single-animal proteins, moisture-rich textures, and no junky fillers like potatoes, peas, or corn, making them ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues.

Find your dog’s new favorite meal with KOHA—simple, clean nutrition that puts their health first.

Types of Novel Proteins 

Novel proteins offer distinct nutritional profiles and flavors, allowing you to tailor your dog’s diet to their unique health needs and taste preferences.

Some of the most effective and gently digestible novel proteins featured in KOHA recipes include:

• Duck: A rich source of iron and amino acids that supports muscle health and delivers a savory, meaty flavor dogs love.
• Kangaroo: An ultra-lean, hypoallergenic red meat that’s easy to digest and ideal for dogs needing a low-fat, novel protein option.
• Lamb: A nutrient-dense red meat that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs and provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• Pork: A highly digestible, palatable protein that offers a robust source of amino acids and B vitamins for overall health.
• Rabbit: A lean, low-fat option ideal for dogs with severe food sensitivities. KOHA Minimal Ingredient Rabbit Stew provides clean, high-quality animal protein with no unnecessary extras.
• Salmon: A fish-based protein naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids that helps promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Venison: A lean, iron-rich red meat that’s perfect for dogs with poultry or beef sensitivities and offers a bold, gamey flavor.

Common Protein Allergies in Dogs

Common protein allergies in dogs usually stem from proteins that are widely used in commercial dog foods, leading to repeated exposure and, over time, potential immune system overreactions. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Beef: Beef is one of the most common allergens due to its widespread use.
• Chicken: Found in many kibbles and treats, chicken is another top allergen. Dogs with chicken allergies may also react to chicken fat or by-products.
• Dairy: While not a "meat," dairy is a protein that commonly causes allergic reactions, especially lactose intolerance or sensitivity to casein.
• Eggs: The protein in egg whites (albumin) can cause reactions in some dogs.

Dog Protein Allergy Symptoms

Unlike food intolerances, food allergies typically involve the immune system and can result in chronic, recurring symptoms. These include:

• Itchy skin (especially feet, face, ears, armpits, or groin)
• Chicken: Found in many kibbles and treats, chicken is another top allergen. Dogs with chicken allergies may also react to chicken fat or by-products.
• Dairy: While not a "meat," dairy is a protein that commonly causes allergic reactions, especially lactose intolerance or sensitivity to casein.
• Eggs: The protein in egg whites (albumin) can cause reactions in some dogs.

Dog Protein Allergy Symptoms

Unlike food intolerances, food allergies typically involve the immune system and can result in chronic, recurring symptoms. These include:

• Itchy skin (especially feet, face, ears, armpits, or groin)
• Ear infections
• Red, inflamed skin or rashes
• Hair loss or hot spots
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas
• Frequent licking, chewing, or scratching
• Poor response to standard environmental allergy treatments

If your dog exhibits these symptoms year-round, regardless of seasonal allergens, they may have a food allergy rather than an environmental trigger.

Veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet using a novel protein to help identify and remove the offending allergen.

Benefits of Novel Protein Dog Food

When it comes to canine nutrition, novel protein dog foods offer a multitude of health advantages. Let’s explore the many benefits of these limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic formulations.

Allergy Management

One of the main reasons pet parents turn to novel protein diets is to manage food allergies and intolerances in their dogs. By introducing a new protein source that the dog's system hasn't previously encountered, the risk of triggering an allergic reaction significantly diminishes.

Digestive Health Support

Novel protein diets often emphasize limited-ingredient formulations, reducing the number of potential irritants in the dog's food. This can be especially beneficial for canines with sensitive stomachs or those with chronic digestive issues like IBS and IBD. A shorter ingredient list means fewer potential triggers and better nutrient absorption.

Diverse Nutrients and Fats

Different proteins bring different benefits. Fish-based recipes deliver skin-supporting omega-3s, while red meats like venison, kangaroo, or lamb provide B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients. Offering a new protein also keeps mealtime interesting for picky eaters.

Fewer Processed Meats

Many novel protein dog foods focus on natural, clean ingredients. Brands that prioritize single-animal proteins and gentle cooking methods bring dogs closer to an ancestral-style diet—simple, protein-forward, and easy to digest.

Whether your dog needs relief from food sensitivities, digestive support, or a flavorful way to rotate proteins, KOHA Novel Protein Dog Food delivers a clean, limited-ingredient solution. Each recipe features high-quality animal protein, no junky fillers, and a moisture-rich texture to support hydration and digestion.

Explore KOHA Novel Protein Recipes and discover the difference clean, thoughtfully crafted food can make.

Best Novel Protein Dog Food Brands

Navigating the world of novel protein dog foods can be daunting with so many options available. To simplify your search for the best brands, we’ve curated this list, keeping in mind limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic formulas free from artificial colors and preservatives. 

Dive in to discover high-quality, alternative protein sources tailored to your canine's nutritional needs.

1. KOHA Novel Protein Dog Food

 

KOHA Dog Food is the perfect choice for canine companions with food sensitivities, digestive challenges, or just picky eaters. KOHA offers a wide variety of novel meat options, such as venison, rabbit, kangaroo, and duck, ensuring that your pup gets only high-quality protein sources.

Beyond its hypoallergenic nature, KOHA Novel Protein Dog Food enhances hydration in dogs, especially with their Limited Ingredient Diet recipes. Plus KOHA recipes don’t contain any junky fillers like corn, potatoes, peas, or soy, which  may cause digestive problems. 

Lastly, some of the minimal ingredient recipes include New Zealand green mussel for your canine friend’s joint health and pumpkin to further promote healthy digestion. With KOHA Dog Food, you can ensure that your dog’s holistic health is in good hands!

 

KOHA’s Novel Protein Dog Foods: 

• Limited Ingredient Diet: Most sensitive recipe to keep your canine’s tummy happy, offering a pâté-like texture
• Pure Shreds: Shredded meat with a savory broth
• Minimal Ingredient Stew: Tasty cuts of novel meat in a rich gravy
• Freeze-Dried Raw Toppers: Freeze-dried raw novel meat toppers

Choose nutrition-packed, novel protein meals that prioritize your dog's well-being. 

Shop KOHA Novel Protein Dog Food

2. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Dog Food is made to manage gastrointestinal diseases and inflammatory skin in dogs with food allergies. This certain variant features deboned alligator meat, which offers an alternative for dogs who are sensitive to red meat and poultry. 

Alligator meat is also low in fat and cholesterol, so it can help maintain your dog’s weight. This formula is also free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial flavors and preservatives. It is only available to purchase through a veterinarian.

Primary ingredients: Alligator, pumpkin, potatoes, fish oil, canola oil, and flaxseed

3. We Feed Raw’s Raw Venison Patty

We Feed Raw’s Raw Venison Patty combines venison muscle meat with beef liver, heart, neck, and kidney, making it a good protein source for your pup. This frozen raw dog food is also packed with various vitamins and minerals, including iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Just keep it in the freezer and thaw it out overnight to prepare for feeding. 

Primary ingredients: Venison, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, beef necks with bone, and flaxseed

4. Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Roasted Rabbit

Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Roasted Rabbit is a grain-inclusive novel protein dog food that features meat from cage-free, hormone-free rabbits. It also includes ancient grains like buckwheat, oatmeal, and quinoa for protein and fiber and superfoods like blueberries and salmon meal. Lastly, this formula doesn’t include chicken, peas, lentils, and legumes. 

Primary ingredients: Rabbit, butternut squash, barley, oatmeal, lamb meal, and dried eggs

5. Royal Canin Selected Protein Adult PR Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Selected Protein Adult PR Dry Dog Food is a veterinary-exclusive novel protein dog food that includes rabbit, potato, and hydrolyzed soy for pups with food allergies. Rabbit is a great protein source that rarely causes allergic reactions among dogs. It includes omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are taken from fish oil, to improve your pup's coat and skin.

Primary ingredients: Potato, rabbit meal, coconut oil, vegetable oil, fish oil, and rosemary extract

6. Raw Wild’s Signature Blend Pet Food Goat Recipe

The Raw Wild’s Signature Blend Pet Food Goat Recipe consists of 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ, mimicking your pet's ancestral food. The meat is sourced from Indiana, and they're raised without hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. You can serve these 1-pound rolls whole or cut them into quarters or halves. 

Primary ingredients: Goat meat, goat heart, goat tongue, goat bone, goat liver, goat kidney, and goat spleen

7. Inception® Dry Dog Food Fish Recipe

This Inception® Dry Dog Food Fish Recipe includes two types of fish: catfish and whitefish. Offered in both dry and wet formulas, this fish recipe is enriched with vitamins and minerals for the overall health of your furry friend. The whitefish from this recipe is taken from the fresh waters of Washington, while the catfish come from the rivers of Georgia. 

Primary ingredients: Whitefish, catfish meal, milo, oat, and millet

8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison

The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison features 32% protein to provide energy for active dogs. Meanwhile, it includes fruits, legumes, and vegetables to meet the nutritional needs of your adult dog. It is available in three sizes: 5 lbs, 14 lbs, and 28 lbs. 

Primary ingredients: Water buffalo, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and peas

9. Natural Balance Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe

The main ingredient of this Natural Balance Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is the omega-rich salmon. However, it also includes fiber from brewer’s rice and whole-grain brown rice to improve your dog's digestion. 

Primary ingredients: Omega-rich salmon, brewer’s rice, and whole-grain brown rice

10. I and Love and you Nude Super Food Red Meat Medley

I and love and you Nude Super Food Red Meat Medley is a novel protein dog food blend that offers 34% protein from beef and pasture-raised bison. This kibble incorporates superfoods, such as pumpkin, coconut oil, and turmeric, and is supplemented with digestive enzymes and pre and probiotics for optimized digestion.

Primary ingredients: Beef, bison, beef meal, menhaden fish meal, dried peas, and dried chickpeas

11. Addiction Viva La Venison

Addiction Viva La Venison is formulated for dogs with skin and digestive sensitivities. It uses free-range New Zealand Venison as its primary protein. Venison is low in cholesterol and rich in protein to address your dog’s dietary needs without including common allergens like chicken, wheat, or gluten. This formula also supports a healthier, shinier coat with essential amino acids.

Primary ingredients: Venison, venison meal, green peas, tapioca, and yellow peas

12. Zignature Goat Formula Dog Food

Zignature Goat Formula Dog Food offers an alternative with goat as its primary protein. Containing less fat than beef and fewer saturated fats than chicken, this formula is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced choice for dogs. It comes in three size varieties: 4 lbs, 12.5 lbs, and 25 lbs. 

Primary ingredients: Goat, goat meal, peas, chickpeas, sunflower oil, and flaxseed

13. Walk About Pet Wild Boar Canine Exotics Recipe

Walk About Pet Wild Boar Canine Exotics Recipe is a grain-free novel protein dog food formulated with single meat protein from slow-cooked wild boar. This blend offers an alternative to common proteins and includes air-dried fruits and veggies. It comes in three flavors: kangaroo, quail, and wild boar. 

Primary ingredients: Wild boar, peas, sweet potato, lentils, flaxseed meal, carrots, green beans, apples, and blueberries

14. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Venison Recipe

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Venison Recipe sources its main ingredient from New Zealand's free-range, grass-fed venison, nurtured in lush native pastures. This single-protein food, enhanced by a 96% PeakPrey meat ratio, offers an alternative for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It's free from grains, potatoes, and additives, ensuring a wholesome meal or topper for your pet.

Primary ingredients: Venison, venison tripe, venison heart, venison lung, venison liver, venison kidney, and New Zealand green mussel 

15. Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Potato & Venison Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d Potato & Venison is designed for dogs with skin and food sensitivities. It features venison as a novel protein and potato as its single carbohydrate source. As it is a prescription formulation, pet parents can typically only access it with veterinarian approval.

Primary ingredients: Potato, venison meal, potato starch, canola oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed

Types of Novel Protein Dog Food

Delving deeper into novel protein dog foods, these limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic offerings come in various formulations. Learn more about each type to find the right one for your pet.

Novel Protein Dog Food for IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be a challenging condition for dogs. Novel protein dog foods are one of the best foods for dogs with IBD because they provide relief and are less likely to trigger flare-ups, promote digestive health, and ease symptoms.

With its minimal ingredient novel protein dog food options, KOHA Dog Food provides a variety of meats to choose from, including rabbit, venison, kangaroo, pork, salmon, and duck. Many of these recipes are available in moisture-rich formats like stews and pâtés, which can be especially beneficial for dogs with IBD by promoting hydration and reducing digestive strain.

Novel Protein Dog Food with Grain

While grain-free diets can work well for some pets, many dogs thrive on grain-inclusive formulas, especially when those grains are easy to digest and offer dietary fiber to support healthy digestion. Whether you choose to feed grain-free or grain-inclusive is dependent on your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dog Food with lamb and white rice is a great example of this balance. This recipe combines the gently cooked novel proteins lamb with easily digestible white rice and pumpkin to support gut health and firm stools. It’s the ideal solution for dogs with food sensitivities who still benefit from the inclusion of high-quality grains.

Explore KOHA Limited Ingredient Wet Bland Diet Lamb & White Rice Recipe and find the right grain-inclusive, novel protein option to soothe your dog’s sensitive stomach.

Low Fat Novel Protein Dog Food

For dogs that require reduced fat intake due to health conditions, low-fat novel protein diets may be a suitable option. By using lean meats like kangaroo, pork, or venison, these formulations balance the benefits of alternative proteins with a lower fat content. This helps ensure that your canine friends receive the nutritional essentials without compromising their specific dietary needs.

KOHA’s Minimal Ingredient Pork Stew is a great low-fat novel protein option. With meat as the first ingredient, KOHA minimal ingredient stews are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

Kangaroo Novel Protein Dog Foods

Kangaroo has gained popularity for its lean meat profile and hypoallergenic properties. Being a free-range source, kangaroo offers a unique blend of nutrients. It's notably high in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which play crucial roles in energy production, immune function, and overall cellular health.

Novel Protein Dog Food for Allergies

Allergic reactions in dogs can often be linked to their diet. Novel protein dog foods offer a fresh start, introducing proteins your dog hasn’t tried before. This approach can significantly reduce the risk of food-related allergies, allowing our furry friends to live a happier and itch-free life.

KOHA dog food products were designed to provide relief for food intolerances and allergies. Each recipe features a single protein per recipe, moisture-rich texture for digestibility, and a streamlined ingredient list free from common triggers. It's a clean, targeted option for dogs with extreme sensitivities, sensitive stomachs, or ongoing digestive concerns.

Novel Protein Raw Dog Food

For those who advocate a more ancestral approach to canine feeding, novel protein raw dog foods are on the rise. Raw dog food can support better health and minimize allergy triggers. 

KOHA Freeze-Dried Raw Topper Elk & Venison Recipe is 96% meat and bone. It’s perfect for sprinkling over the top of your dog (or cat’s) food to make every meal delicious! 

Learn More About Novel Protein Dog Food

Can my dog transition quickly to a novel protein food?

It’s best to transition gradually over 7–10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the novel protein food with your dog’s current food, and slowly increase the new food each day. This helps avoid digestive upset and allows your dog’s system to adjust to the new ingredients at a comfortable pace.

How long does it take to see improvements in a dog’s digestive health after switching to a novel protein diet?

Many dogs show signs of improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting a novel protein diet, especially when switching from a formula that contains known allergens or irritants. However, in cases of chronic digestive issues or food allergies, it may take 6–12 weeks for inflammation to subside and symptoms to fully resolve. Consistency is key—stick with the new food and monitor your dog’s progress over time.

Are there any potential drawbacks or risks associated with novel protein diets?

Novel protein diets are generally well tolerated, especially when formulated as complete and balanced meals like KOHA’s recipes. However, pet parents should avoid rotating through too many new proteins too quickly, as this could make it harder to identify food sensitivities. 

It's also important to choose a reputable brand that avoids common fillers and uses high-quality ingredients. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian, especially for dogs with complex medical or digestive issues.

What is the difference between hydrolyzed protein and novel protein?

Novel proteins are intact animal proteins that your dog hasn’t eaten before, like rabbit, duck, or kangaroo. These are useful in elimination diets and for reducing allergic reactions.

Hydrolyzed proteins, on the other hand, are broken down into small fragments (amino acids) through a chemical process that makes them less likely to trigger an immune response.

While both types of protein can support dogs with food sensitivities, novel protein diets offer a more natural, minimally processed approach and are often preferred by pet parents seeking clean, whole-food options.

Choose the Best Novel Protein Dog Food For Your Pup

Choosing the right novel protein diet is more than just a trend—it’s a thoughtful decision that can make a real difference in your dog’s quality of life. Whether you’re managing food allergies, supporting sensitive digestion, or simply looking for a cleaner, more limited ingredient option, novel proteins provide a targeted and nourishing solution.

KOHA makes that decision easier with a carefully curated selection of Limited Ingredient Diet recipes, featuring gently cooked, high-quality animal proteins your dog hasn’t encountered before. From rabbit and duck to kangaroo, KOHA offers a variety of novel protein choices designed to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing flavor and nutrition.

You’ll find these proteins in a range of moisture-rich formats tailored to your pup’s preferences. Feed your dog with confidence, knowing you’re offering them a diet that’s clean, complete, and carefully crafted for sensitive systems.

Explore KOHA Novel Protein dog food and find the formula that fits your dog’s needs.